India Advocates for Strengthened Global Biosecurity Measures

India is advocating for a global mechanism to prevent the misuse of biological weapons, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and improved compliance measures within the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), particularly in light of technological advancements. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stresses the importance of governance keeping pace with innovation.

In an urgent call for action, India has advocated for a robust global framework to prevent the misuse of biological weapons amid increasing global security uncertainties. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the potential threat from non-state actors during a conference commemorating 50 years of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).

Jaishankar pointed out the critical gaps within the BWC, noting its absence of a compliance system and a permanent technical body to keep track of scientific advancements. He urged for stronger compliance measures, including verification processes that are relevant to modern-day challenges, to reinforce global biosecurity.

In light of recent global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister emphasized the necessity for modernizing the Convention to effectively address biological risks. India stands ready to partner with global entities to uphold biosecurity and assist in the governance of new biotechnological tools.

(With inputs from agencies.)